The kitchen is the focal point of the family home and its design should reflect this. If you are considering updating the look to your kitchen you need to get started as it can take months to research and plan. Once you start exploring your options you’ll find there are so many cool ideas around that you will be changing your mind from one day to the next. Gone are the days when kitchens were only for cooking and washing the dishes. They have moved up the social house ladder and double as dining rooms, meeting areas and drop-in centers. This is why it is so important to consider your kitchen design with care and plan it well.
Start off by getting some design ideas from the internet, magazines and pay visits to showrooms and DIY stores. Measure up your kitchen before you go, and whilst you’re at the DIY store ask them to design a plan of what your kitchen could look like. They will do this on the computer and print it off for you to take home. These days you can even download a 3D software program and do it all yourself.
Whatever your original kitchen layout, there are others existing and it is quite easy to change. Options range from a U-shaped layout, a single layout, L-shaped layout or a double galley layout, a breakfast bar or an island in the kitchen. First, decide where the sink, oven and fridge will go and then work around these. There are certain guidelines to follow as to the most convenient and suitable positions for these main appliances. Kitchen design experts advise that all three are placed in a triangle shape and close to each other as these are the main 3 areas people move between when cooking.
Take a look around your current kitchen and note down its good and bad points and what you would like to change. When you are doing this, consider how the space can be utilized better and if it is necessary to change everything. Do all aspects of the kitchen need updating, apart from the cabinets? For example, the lighting and tiling might be of a type that has dated or a simple fresh coat of paint might suffice. Should you have a simple breakfast bar or is the kitchen large enough for a table so the family can eat meals together without the formality of a dining room?
Sinks are generally positioned beneath the window as it supplies better drainage options and gives natural light. Take measurements carefully and plan the direction cabinets and drawers will open and check there is sufficient space for them to open properly and not block anything.
One problem area that might discourage you from changing everything involves moving pipes or re-wiring. Although this can be expensive it’s worth checking out and getting some quotes before discounting it altogether.
To keep costs down it isn’t always necessary to rip out and replace all the kitchen cabinets. If there is nothing wrong with the basic structure, then it is much easier and cheaper to replace the doors and drawer fronts with a new design. Choosing your cabinet will depend on your taste, whether you go for a traditional look with natural wood that can be painted or stained or opt for laminates, glazing and polyester. Choices of drawer types include full extension, track and roller, ball bearing and wooden slides and added extras can be baskets, bins and tip out trays, pull down shelves or drawer organizers.
The affordability of cabinet refacing is a reasonably priced option and with the money saved here, thoughts can be turned to other areas of the kitchen. New appliances such as a fridge/freezer and dishwasher, extra lighting and even new flooring can be budgeted for.
Overall, a new kitchen design doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you keep some of the original fixtures and appliances, and there are various economical ways to update without replacing. If you really don’t know where to start ask a kitchen designer and planner to help out, they will practically do everything and all you need do is give your approval.
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A New Kitchen In 3 to 5 Days!
With kitchen cabinet refacing, all your old doors, drawer fronts, hardware and accessories are removed. Then all the exposed cabinet surfaces, including the cabinet ends, are resurfaced with laminate, thermo-foil or veneer, color matched to your new door style.
Kitchen With New Possibilities
If you are looking for a beautiful kitchen, budget and great-looking cabinets, refacing is the perfect choice. The affordability of cabinet refacing gives you the choice to think about other possibilities too. Like new features, looks and convenience, adding moldings, more cabinet space, new flooring, appliances, or even changing the layout.
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